“Fine. Don’t tell.”
“I won’t tell Momma.”
She means that, although the evidence of chocolate on her lip is going to give it away. She gives him a messy smile and runs off to find the others the moment she swallows.
“That was the cutest interaction I’ve ever seen in my life,” I say, earning myself an adorable scowl from my sweetling as he grumbles some nonsense and heads toward the door.
“Yes, the God of Death is typically tender toward small souls,” Amick says and the whole group laughs, except for him and me.
My fingers lace with his and I give him a wink as his confusion sets in.
In his mind, that didn’t sound sarcastic at all.
The delicious smell of freshly baked bread engulfs me the moment we step into the house, and my stomach growls. I’m notashamed in the slightest. I cannot wait to eat any and everything Annalise prepared.
Hopefully, this little talk doesn’t spoil it afterward.
“You’ve all finally made it,” Annalise cheers as soon as we step into the kitchen.
She whirls around, baby expertly tucked into her arm and a smile on her face. She completely bypasses Creed as she makes her way to me and wraps her free arm around me.
“Thayla, it’s so good to see you.”
Gods, she’s just as sweet as the first day I met her.
“You as well. It smells so good in here. Thank you for hosting us,” I say.
“No thanks needed. I love having company. And, Yemi, dear. How have you been?” she asks as she embraces her the same.
“Good, Mrs. Akova. Thank you for asking.”
“None of that formalness, sweetheart. Please, just Annalise.”
“Good to see you too,” Creed huffs, earning himself a sly smirk from her.
“Of course it’s good to see you, my boy. And you brought my favorite pie.”
He rolls his eyes, and she tsks at him.
“Always with the attitude.”
“There’s everyone,” Ellian says as he comes into the kitchen from across the room with Riven and Kyzen trailing right behind him.
The childlike smirks on their faces make my stomach flutter.
Ellian heads directly for Annalise, capturing her in a kiss that has my men gagging and me hiding a girly giggle.
That’s so cute.
“Proper introductions are in order,” Ellian says as he smiles down at her.
He goes around the room, introducing Yemi’s Valtrue, Lambrit, and Rose to Annalise. She hugs each of them all thesame, and they can’t help but reciprocate. Even Sevryn smiles softly as she hugs him.
“Us ladies are going out and relaxing. You men can handle it from here.”
“Enjoy yourself, my love,” Ellian easily agrees.
Riven groans, then gasps as Kyzen elbows him in the stomach. Creed has no complaints. He’s already moved to the stove and started stirring whatever Annalise had started.
